As I discussed earlier in the week (or last year as its officially called), purpose is vital to me. Wandering aimlessly down a path leads to a lot of wasted time.
I want to start 2016 with focus. As Lysa Terkeurst writes in The Best Yes, you steer where you stare. Time to consider what I want out of 2016 and how I’m going to achieve those goals.
1. Lose 15 pounds. Discover the living definition of moderation.
I hope to accomplish weight loss with a few tweaks to the ole diet: Less booze, less soda, more fruits and veggies. Sounds simple enough right? Try telling that to some of Jay’s clients wanting to take us to Smoky Mountain Brewery for beer, pizza, and hot wings tonight. READ: 3 of my favorites + very low will power. If only moderation was as easy as it seems.
2. Read 52 books Finish the Harry Potter series
I love to read. My annual reading challenge is only difficult if I let myself get behind in the early months. 52 books this year is practically done already.
Making one of those 52 the final installment of the Harry Potter series? Now we are talking challenge. I’m not sure if coming to the game late made a difference, knowing the ending, or Rowling killing my favorite character just as the books were starting to get good.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has been on my nightstand since June of 2015. Unless I make reading it a priority, I’m likely to find it sitting in the same location this time next year.
3. Run 777 miles
I enjoy the act of running. I enjoy the way running makes me feel. So why do I find it difficult to stay in motion? I’m not sure.
For the sake of my mental health, however, I’ve got to log the miles. Some arbitrary number doesn’t interest me. Perhaps focusing on a different task each quarter would keep me moving?
First up: My 20th half marathon.
4. Hike 100 miles every month
I love having the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so close to where we live. Having said that, the park is still 45+ minutes away (depending on which section we want to head to).
Also, since there is no cell reception, I don’t feel comfortable hitting the trails solo. I want to hike more than I am able. This year I’d like to do one hike a month. Now to make it happen!
5. Write one letter or card per month
In my mind, I already do this. With no real log of it, I can’t be sure. Jay and I sponsor a kid through Compassion International, so I try to send him letters regularly. Same with my cousin who is in prison.
Sending birthday, sympathy, and thinking-of-you cards is also something I want to be more consistent with.
Would it be too strict or excessive to do a performance review of myself on the last day of each month? Perhaps the wording is what’s too severe. How about I just update the ole blog with my top 5, recording how I’ve progressed in each?
Kelly S said:
Brooke, I love the public refinement going on here. It shows you thought this through and made adjustments to either raise the bar or lower it back down to reality. Well done, friend! Thanks for linking up! #FridayFive
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Lauren Flake said:
Love your approach here, lady! I somehow never got into the Harry Potter books. Only read the first one, which makes me a bit of an oddity I guess.
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Brooke Fradd said:
I’m late to the party and only doing it to appease a friend.
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Lauren Flake said:
Love your approach here, lady! I never really got into the Harry Potter books. Only read the first one. I guess that makes me a bit of an oddity.
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Mari said:
I like your approach of moderation. I keep working on that myself in relation to diet, but I seem to have an issue with all or nothing!
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Brooke Fradd said:
It’s so difficult.
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Kelly Johnson said:
You are a very smart lady and I love your approach here! There are seasons in life which lend themselves better to loftier, more ambitious goals. And there are seasons which require a gentler approach. Good for you for finding the balance! LOVE the HP series and would love to re-read them all someday. My family and I are re-watching all the movies this week while my girls are home from college. Such fun!! A blessing to get to know you on these pages this year, my friend! Keep writing, sister!
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Thea @ It's Me Vs. Me said:
I would love to see an update on your goals, but not a performance review. I’m not your boss, yo. 🙂
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Brooke Fradd said:
Fair enough! 🙂
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